Andhra Govt Announces ₹10 Lakh Ex-Gratia for Families of Missing Visakhapatnam Fishermen

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced an ex-gratia of ₹10 lakh each for the families of six fishermen who remain missing after their fishing boat disappeared off the Visakhapatnam coast.

The financial assistance was announced as search and rescue operations entered another crucial phase, with multiple agencies continuing efforts to locate the missing fishermen.

Six fishermen still missing

According to officials, seven fishermen ventured into the sea from the Visakhapatnam coast on July 1 before they went missing.

One fisherman was later rescued by a passing vessel, while search teams continue to look for the remaining six.

Authorities say every possible effort is being made to trace the missing fishermen.

Government announces immediate financial assistance

Announcing the relief package, Andhra Pradesh Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu said the state government stands firmly with the affected families during this difficult time.

The government has approved an immediate ₹10 lakh ex-gratia for each of the six families.

The minister directed Visakhapatnam District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore to release the financial assistance based on the recommendation of Fisheries Commissioner Rama Shankar Nayak and in accordance with government norms.

Search operation continues on war footing

The Andhra Pradesh government said rescue operations are being carried out on a war footing with the support of multiple agencies, including:

• Indian Coast Guard
• Indian Navy
• Coastal Security Police
• Visakhapatnam Port Authority
• Fisheries Department

Officials said coordination among the agencies is continuing to maximise the chances of locating the missing fishermen.

Government assures full support

Expressing concern over the families' ordeal, Minister Atchannaidu said the government understands the uncertainty and emotional distress they are experiencing.

He assured the families that the state government would continue extending all possible support while rescue operations remain underway.

The minister also said he and the people of Andhra Pradesh are praying for the safe return of the missing fishermen.

Officials monitoring the situation

According to the government, Fisheries Commissioner Rama Shankar Nayak has already met the affected families to offer support and brief them on the ongoing search efforts.

Officials noted that although several days have passed since the fishermen went missing, search operations will continue without interruption.

Key Highlights

• Andhra Pradesh announced ₹10 lakh ex-gratia for each affected family.
• Six fishermen remain missing off the Visakhapatnam coast.
• One of the seven missing fishermen has been rescued.
• Search operations involve the Indian Coast Guard, Navy and other agencies.
• The government has assured continued support for the affected families.
• Rescue efforts are continuing on a war footing.

Featured Snippet

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced ₹10 lakh ex-gratia for the families of six fishermen who remain missing after their boat disappeared off the Visakhapatnam coast. Search operations involving the Indian Coast Guard, Navy and other agencies are continuing to trace the missing fishermen.

Conclusion

The Andhra Pradesh government's financial assistance aims to provide immediate relief to families facing uncertainty as search teams continue looking for the six missing fishermen. With multiple rescue agencies involved, authorities have pledged to sustain operations and extend every possible support until the search concludes.

FAQs

1. Why has the Andhra Pradesh government announced ex-gratia?

The government announced ₹10 lakh ex-gratia for each family of the six fishermen who remain missing off the Visakhapatnam coast.

2. How many fishermen are still missing?

Six fishermen remain missing after their fishing boat disappeared on July 1.

3. Was anyone rescued?

Yes. One of the seven missing fishermen was rescued by a passing vessel.

4. Which agencies are involved in the search?

The Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, Coastal Security Police, Visakhapatnam Port Authority and Fisheries Department are participating in the rescue operation.

5. Who announced the compensation?

Andhra Pradesh Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu announced the ₹10 lakh ex-gratia.

6. When did the fishermen go missing?

The fishermen went missing after venturing into the sea from the Visakhapatnam coast on July 1.

7. Has the financial assistance been released?

The minister has directed the Visakhapatnam District Collector to release the ex-gratia according to government procedures.

8. Are search operations still ongoing?

Yes. Authorities have said rescue efforts will continue until the missing fishermen are located.